Lion Links
Lion Links: 2/2/20
Happy Super Bowl Sunday, Mane Landers! Before we jump to the real football, I just want my prediction out there now. I want the Chiefs to win, but I’m taking the 49ers, 27-24. But again, Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes, I really, really want you guys to win this thing. I hope I’m wrong.
Okay, back to the norm. I trust you’re all having a wonderful week (despite the tragic news that seems to be constantly flowing into our every day lives). If you are, excellent. That’s what it’s all about. If you aren’t, let’s try to turn things around. Every morning is a fresh start. You got this.
All right, enough of my cornball motivational talk, you’re here for some juicy Links. Let’s do this.
Lions vs. Crew Cancelled, Snark Ensues
The Lions were scheduled to scrimmage the Columbus Crew yesterday in Mexico but, well, that didn’t happen. The ensuing snark on social media, in my own personal opinion, was awesome. It all started with the Lions’ Twitter account shooting out a playful tweet. The Crew’s response? Oh, it was quite excellent:
Cool story 👍 pic.twitter.com/hoZTpn1bTW
— Columbus Crew SC (@ColumbusCrewSC) February 1, 2020
Regardless, the lads in purple scrimmaged against themselves yesterday. They’ll try again with a different opponent on Tuesday against Inter Playa.
U.S. Downs Costa Rica, 1-0
The U.S. Men’s National Team hosted Costa Rica in Los Angeles yesterday for a friendly — the first of 2020 — and, while the result may not tell the entire tale, the young Yanks cruised to a comfortable win, 1-0. The goal, courtesy of Uly Llanez, came via a spot kick in the 50th minute. Llanez became the youngest USMNT player to score a penalty in the modern era. Take a bow, sir. Your swish celebration in honor of Kobe Bryant was admirable, too. That deserves another bow. Other young Yanks were handed their debuts in the Stars & Stripes, including Sam Vines, Brenden Aaronson, Jesus Ferreira, Chase Gasper, Brandon Servania, and Mark McKenzie. Several could take part in the 2020 Concacaf Men’s Olympic Qualifying Championship next month. I sure hope they do, too, because it’s time for the USMNT to embrace the budding youth movement that’s happening across this country. We’ll see, but I’m far more than hopeful.
Zadorsky and Plummer Face Off in Olympic Qualifying Action
Some Pride players were in action yesterday at the international level as well, with Shelina Zadorsky of Canada and draftee Konya Plummer of Jamaica facing off in Olympic qualifying, both lining up as center backs for their countries. This one, well, this one wasn’t even close. Like, at all. The final result was 9-0 to the Canadians, and that came even after Canada seemingly pumped the brakes a bit after the match was clearly out of reach for the Reggae Girlz. Notably, Jordyn Huitema of PSG netted five times — twice in the first half and three times in the second. Great Scott, ladies…sheesh.
Eyeing Your Rivals: Inter Miami CF and Fort Lauderdale Club de Fútbol
Inter Miami CF is here, whether you and I like it or not. Now, their official affiliate team has been announced as Fort Lauderdale Club de Fútbol. The developmental team begins play in March, and will immediately jump into the USL League One fray. Much like Orlando City B, this club’s purpose will be to serve as a pipeline for youth players who wish to break into the ranks of the first team in Miami.
“Establishing an identity for Fort Lauderdale CF has been a process the organization has put a lot of thought into because it will be our permanent team playing in the Fort Lauderdale stadium for the long-term,” said Inter Miami CF Sporting Director Paul McDonough. “The team also serves an important role in providing higher-level competition for talented players who are in between the Academy and First Team levels of their careers. We can keep them competing in a professional structure until a good opportunity arises for them either with us or elsewhere.”
They’re [/audible groan] probably going to be decent, and I expect them, much like I expect Inter Miami itself, to be a strong competitor for years to come for the Young Lions and first team alike. Keep an eye on these guys, Mane Landers. They’ll soon become your least favorite MLS players.
Free Kicks
- With the Super Bowl set for today, the San Jose Earthquakes are backing their local franchise, the San Francisco 49ers, to beat the Kansas City Chiefs. Even Chris Wondolowski, a devout Raiders fan — rivals of the 49ers — will be pulling for the Bay area team. I’ve already put my prediction out there, but as I stated earlier, I hope I’m wrong.
- Kylian Mbappe, please don’t take on the traits of Neymar. Please just stay humble. The young world beater was scolded by PSG manager Thomas Tuchel after his tantrum following a 68th-minute substitution in a 5-0 win yesterday. “Stay gold, Pony Boy. Stay gold.” Please.
- Liverpool continues their impressive march for the first-ever Premier League title, beating Southampton yesterday 2-0, courtesy of goals from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jordan Henderson. You’ll Never Walk Alone! For context, Liverpool is my Premier League club (same ownership group that holds the Red Sox, and I was born in Massachusetts. Save the Patriots hate for an ear that cares).
- This one’s for you, Coach Mike (Orlando United FC). Everton, Mike’s team of choice, down 2-0 for almost half of the match, pulled multiple proverbial rabbits out of their hat to come back and ultimately score what has to be a heartbreaking goal against Watford, winning 3-2 despite playing a man down for the final 20 minutes or so. Well done, lads!
In case you missed it, @Everton came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2, scoring in the final minute of the match! 👏 pic.twitter.com/N6lvKIXhNh
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) February 2, 2020
- Here’s yet another Erling Haaland share — the kid can’t stop scoring for his new club in Germany — Dortmund! He bagged another brace, bringing his tally to seven league goals in just three matches (an average of about a goal per 20 minutes of play). I love it, but as a Bayern Munich supporter, I hate it. I’m clearly conflicted. But cheers to this youngster, I can’t wait to watch what is sure to be a successful career unfold! Oh, and the kid is making an impact on Norway’s state pension fund. I’m not kidding. We have budding superstar on our hands here and hey man, you interested in wearing red?
Erling Haaland is at it again! His 6th goal for @BlackYellow doubles their lead over Union Berlin. 🐝 pic.twitter.com/kkidbYwiJt
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 1, 2020
- Okay, now we can end on a Bayern note. Thiago, you sly dog you…
OHH MY! Thiago dribbles through three defenders and makes it three for @FCBayernUS … with a goal in his third straight game. 👀 pic.twitter.com/gRE4qPLVyn
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 1, 2020
All right, that’s all I’ve got for you today, folks. Enjoy the precious remainder of your Sunday and then, as always, kick some ass this week. You know that I know that you’re more than capable. Get it done, whatever it is. Much love.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 11/13/24
Orlando City’s international call-ups, Orlando Pride playoffs preview, NWSL Awards voting opens, and more.
Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Orlando City might have to wait a week to continue its playoff journey, but the Orlando Pride do not. The Kansas City Current are coming to town this Sunday for the third meeting between these NWSL heavyweights this year, and I will be there. I hope you will make it to Inter&Co Stadium to show this Pride club how much we appreciate all they have done this season in their final home match of the season. For now, let’s get to the links.
Lions on International Duty
Several Orlando City players received call-ups for this international break, including Facundo Torres for Uruguay. Additionally, the following also got the call: David Brekalo with Slovenia, Pedro Gallese and Wilder Cartagena for Peru, Dagur Dan Thorhallsson for Iceland, and Favian Loyola for Chile’s U-20 squad. All we can hope for is they all stay healthy and in form. Orlando City’s next opponent, Atlanta United, also had several players called up.
The NWSL Playoffs Continue
The Orlando Pride will face the fourth-place Kansas City Current this weekend after decimating the Chicago Red Stars Friday. There’s been a lot of drama between these two clubs, making this an intriguing semifinal match. The other match sees the second-place Washington Spirit take on third-place NJ/NY Gotham FC. While we get to enjoy seeing the Pride continue their NWSL playoff run, many clubs are now watching from home and working on next season’s campaign.
NWSL Award Voting Open
The NWSL has opened the “fans voting round” for its 2024 end-of-season awards. There are several Pride players who were named finalists, including Barbra Banda, Marta, Emily Sams, Kylie Strom, and Anna Moorhouse. Of course, Seb Hines is up for NWSL Coach of the Year in what should be a foregone conclusion. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get out there and submit your vote here. This is your chance to make a difference for Hines and these Pride players who have given so much this season.
Pepi is Ready
The USMNT will play its first competitive match under Mauricio Pochettino against Jamaica Thursday night in the first leg of a Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal series. The U.S. doesn’t have a ton of options at forward, meaning Ricardo Pepi will likely get the start. The PSV striker said he feels he’s “ready to be the man.” It’s been years since anyone locked down the starting role up top for the USMNT. Let’s hope that Pepi is indeed ready.
Free Kicks
- In unsurprising news, Charlotte FC’s Kristijan Kahlina was named 2024 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. Orlando fans are all too familiar with how good Kahlina is in goal. Honestly, Khalina is a very deserving winner.
- England’s squad will look very different this international window with eight players out due to injury, including Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer.
- The UScpMNT match scheduled for today has been postponed due to inclement weather.
- Coventry City has its eye on Frank Lampard as a possible replacement for Mark Robins as manager.
- We have unfortunately seen the last of Memphis 901 FC. It is a sad day, as we’re unlikely to see such a cool name with whatever Santa Barbara comes up with.
- Jude Bellingham’s younger brother, Jobe, may make a move to La Liga giant Real Madrid.
- The USMNT’s Gio Reyna is still nursing a mystery injury at Borussia Dortmund.
- We’re sad to share that FC Cincinnati’s Marco Angulo passed away as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and teammates.
- Finally, I leave you with Ally Watt solving a Rubik’s Cube.
That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Pride’s playoff match against the Kansas City Current. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 11/12/24
Examining Orlando City’s playoff path, what to watch in the Concacaf Nations League, Lily Yohannes declares for the U.S., and more.
Happy Tuesday, everyone! The weekend couldn’t have gone much better for Orlando’s soccer teams, as both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride advanced after their respective playoff games, with the Pride dominating Chicago and the Lions getting a late, dramatic equalizer before winning the penalty shootout. The Pride will return to action Sunday against the Kansas City Current, while the Lions have a slightly longer layoff before they take on Atlanta United. As usual, we have plenty to discuss this morning, so let’s get into the links.
Orlando City’s Playoff Path
It was a wild weekend for the MLS playoffs as far as the Eastern Conference was concerned, and a slew of upsets suddenly means that the path to the MLS Cup final in the Eastern Conference goes through Orlando. The Lions are the highest remaining seed in the East, and not only will they host Atlanta Nov. 24, but they would also host the Eastern Conference final, should they come out victorious. Oscar Pareja spoke after the game about not wanting the victory over Charlotte FC to be the end of the playoff journey, and says the team intends to chase the MLS Cup. If Orlando does make it that far, the team wouldn’t be likely to host the match, as it would require Minnesota United to come out of the Western Conference in order for the final to be held in Orlando. Stranger things have happened though.
What to Watch For With the USMNT
It seems like we just had an international break, but here we are again with two more United States Men’s National Team games on the docket. These are two important games, as the USMNT squares off against Jamaica in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals. Besides the obvious chance to advance to the semifinals, there are plenty of other storylines to keep an eye on. With Josh Sargent and Folarin Balogun both absent due to injury, can Ricardo Pepi seize an opportunity to lay claim to the starting striker role? What sort of impacts can Brendan Aaronson and Weston McKennie have in the midst of good starts to the season for their clubs? Last, but certainly not least, is Christian Pulisic, who has had a fantastic start to the season and will have many eyes on him in the first competitive matches under Mauricio Pochettino.
Lily Yohannes Chooses the United States
The United States Women’s National Team has landed a great young talent, as Lily Yohannes announced on Monday that she has chosen to represent the U.S. over the Netherlands. While she was born in Virginia, Yohannes has lived abroad since the age of 10, making her eligible to play for either country. However, she stated that with the United States being her country of birth, as well as where her extended family lives, she decided to commit to representing Emma Hayes’ team. Yohannes made her debut for Ajax’s senior side in November of last year, and has seven goals in 40 appearances for the Dutch team.
Transfer Rumor Roundup
As always, the transfer rumor mill continues to turn, which means we have plenty of things to catch up on. We start with Major League Soccer itself, where FC Cincinnati’s Luciano Acosta has said he may have played his final game for the club. He cited frustration with falling short of silverware as a possible reason for wanting to move on, so he may change his mind once the sting has faded more. Moving to Spain, Barcelona is reportedly monitoring Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush as an option to replace the aging Robert Lewandowski. Arsenal and Manchester United are said to be interested in Leroy Sane, and will pursue him hard if contract talks with Bayern Munich don’t progress well.
Free Kicks
- NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman had some friendly words for the Orlando Pride.
- The U.S. Men’s Deaf National Team battled Argentina to a scoreless draw at the Deaf Pan American Games on Monday, but fortunately advanced in the tournament due to a coin flip tiebreaker. The U.S. will play either Brazil or Mexico in the semifinal.
- Premier League referee David Coote has been suspended due to a social media video that seemed to show him making negative marks about Jurgen Klopp.
- Manchester United interim head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy has left the club following the arrival of new head coach Ruben Amorim, who wants to bring in his own assistants.
- Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer are among a whopping eight players who have pulled out of England’s UEFA Nations League squad due to injury.
That does it for me today. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 11/11/24
Orlando City and Orlando Pride advance in the playoffs, MLS and NWSL playoff roundups, USMNT roster announced, and more.
Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you in Florida. Happy Veteran’s Day to all those who have served or are currently serving in the military. I’ve been busy working at Under Armour during the holiday weekend. There is plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Lions Advance to Eastern Conference Semifinals
Orlando City defeated Charlotte FC 4-1 in penalties after a thrilling 1-1 draw Saturday at Inter&Co Stadium to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals for the second straight year. The Lions were down 1-0 late in the match, with their run in the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs about to end. However, Duncan McGuire was pulled down in the box and Orlando was awarded a penalty kick deep in stoppage time. Facundo Torres had his penalty kick saved but scored on the rebound to tie the game at 1-1. In the penalty shootout, Pedro Gallese came up with big saves, and every Lion converted their kick to book Orlando’s ticket into the next round. It took three matches, but the Lions are through and will face Atlanta United at home Nov. 24.
Pride Secure First Playoff Win Against the Chicago Red Stars
The Orlando Pride defeated the Chicago Red Stars 4-1 on Friday at Inter&Co Stadium to secure their first-ever NWSL playoff win. Barbra Banda scored twice, and Haley McCutcheon and Marta each added one for Orlando. The Red Stars pulled one back with a goal from Jameese Joseph, but the Pride dominated the match from start to finish and advanced to the semifinals. The Pride will face the Kansas City Current at home Sunday with a spot in the NWSL Championship on the line.
First Round of MLS Playoffs Wraps Up
It was a wild weekend to conclude the first round of the 2024 MLS playoffs, with plenty of Game 3 drama. Let’s start with a big upset in South Florida, as Atlanta United got two goals from Jamal Thiare and won 3-2 win against Supporters’ Shield winners Inter Miami. New York City FC defeated FC Cincinnati 6-5 in penalties after a scoreless draw and will move on to face the New York Red Bulls in a playoff edition of the Hudson River Derby in the next round. Inter Miami, Columbus Crew, and FC Cincinnati were the three highest seeds in the Eastern Conference and all three were eliminated after the first round. Out west, LAFC secured a 1-0 over the Vancouver Whitecaps with Mateusz Bogusz scoring the lone goal to advance. LAFC will take on the Seattle Sounders, while the LA Galaxy will face Minnesota United in the Western Conference semifinals.
NWSL Playoff Quarterfinals Roundup
The first round of the 2024 NWSL playoffs is also in the books. The Kansas City Current defeated the North Carolina Courage 1-0 Saturday. Temwa Chawinga scored for the Current and extended their unbeaten run to 10 matches. There were two more matches on Sunday, and the Washington Spirit fought back from a 1-0 deficit to defeat Bay FC 2-1 to advance. NJ/NY Gotham FC edged the Portland Thorns 2-1 with Rose Lavelle scoring the winning goal late in stoppage time. Gotham and the Spirit will square off on Saturday at Audi Field.
USMNT Roster Announced for Nations League
United States Men’s National Team Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino announced the 25-man roster for the upcoming Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal matches against Jamaica. Antonee Robinson, Miles Robinson, Tim Ream, and Chris Richards are a few of the defenders called up, while the midfield includes Brenden Aaronson, Weston McKennie, and Yunus Musah. Christian Pulisic, Ricardo Pepi, Tim Weah, and Brandon Vazquez are some of the attackers to keep an eye on. Goalkeepers Matt Turner and Zack Steffen were called up alongside Patrick Schulte and Diego Kochen. Orlando City’s Duncan McGuire was not called up, and Real Salt Lake forward Diego Luna is another notable player who wasn’t selected. The USMNT will face Jamaica in a two-legged series this week, with the first match in Kingston Thursday followed by the second leg Monday at City Park in St. Louis.
Free Kicks
- In case you missed it, check out this video of Facundo Torres’ equalizer on Orlando City’s social media page to secure his 20th goal of the year.
- The Orlando Pride honored Brazilian midfielder Luana before their playoff win on Friday.
- FC Cincinnati is reportedly close to a club-record deal to sign forward Kevin Denkey from Cercle Brugge.
- Bayern Munich has reportedly signed U.S. youth international forward Bajung Darboe from LAFC.
- With Manchester City’s 2-1 loss to Brighton over the weekend, the club has now lost four consecutive matches across all competitions, which is the first time this has happened since 2006.
- Ruben Amorim is reportedly facing a delay in starting work as manager of Manchester United because the club is awaiting confirmation of his work visa.
- AS Roma has fired its second manager of the season, Ivan Juric, following its 3-2 loss to Bologna on Sunday.
- North Texas SC won the MLS NEXT Pro Cup after trailing 2-0 and completing the comeback to defeat Philadelphia Union II 3-2 and claim its first league title.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday and I’ll see you next time.
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